New Efficient Approach to the Preparation of (+)-Camphor and (–)-Fenchone Anils under Homogeneous Catalysis Conditions

An efficient approach to the synthesis of (+)-camphor and (–)-fenchone anils has been developed, which involves the reaction of the corresponding bicyclic monoterpenoid ketones with substituted anilines in the presence of in situ prepared (i-PrO)₂Ti(OTf)₂·(i-PrOH)₂ complex, as a homogeneous catalyst, and (i-PrO)₄Ti, as a dehydrating agent. The advantage of the suggested method lies not only in obtaining target products in good yield and high purity, but also in a simplified procedure for their isolation. These products are of interest as potential pharmacologically active compounds, antioxidants for rubber mixtures, and components of 3D-printing formulations.